A Comparison of The Similarities And Differences Between Medifast And Nutrisystem

I know that both medifast and nutrisystem are very popular, but they are sometimes confused with one another or are misunderstood. This article will highlight some of the major similarities and differences between the two.

The Similarities Between Medifast And Nutrisystem:

Prepackaged Meal Replacement Plans: Both of these diets are meal replacement plans which means that you replace your regular foods or what you would typically eat with safe, pre made foods given to you by the company. Both offer prepackaged meals which are pretty quick and easy to assemble and eat. This makes both plans very convenient as there are no points to tally or carbs to calculate. Basically if you eat the foods that you are provided as well as follow the directions for your healthful additions, you should lose weight as designed (although in my experience exercise will greatly enhance your results).

Eating Low Carb / High Protein Meals Frequently Throughout The Day: Both diets' foods / meals are high in protein and low in calories and carbs. You are asked to eat these small meals frequently throughout the day. This bumps up your metabolism and encourages your body to burn more fat. This mechanism is the same with both diets although both have different buzz words for it ("ketosis" and "low glycemic index.")

Celebrity Spokespeople: Both diet plans have celebrity endorsers who are on and have lost a bunch of weight on these plans. Medifast has Genie Francis (Laura from General Hospital) and Kristi Swanson (Buffy The Vampire Slayer.) Both actresses have lost over 40 pounds and Swanson is wearing a size 4. Nutrisystem is represented by Jodi Sweeten (Full House) and Marie Osmond, who dramatically transformed her body on Dancing With The Stars.

Price: Both plans are pretty similar in price, at about $300 for an entire month's worth of food. Both companies often offer specials, coupons, discounts, and incentives that offer you free food that save you money as well.

The Differences Between Medifast And Nutrisystem:

The Amount Of Times You Eat During The Day: Nutrisystem encourages you to eat five times (three meals and two snacks) during the day. Medifast encourages you to eat six times per day (five smaller meals and one main, "lean and green meal.") Which of these you prefer depends upon your time and preferences, but both plans' meals are pretty quick and easy to prepare so eating this often is often not at all hard and it helps to keep hunger and cravings at bay. It also boosts your metabolism.

How Often You Have To Prepare Your Own Foods And Add Your Own Additions: Both plans have a wide variety of foods from which you can chose. But with medifast, you only prepare one main meal once during the day. The rest of the time, you eat the food that the company provides to you. This only requires meal preparation or planning once per day.

Nutrisystem encourages you to add healthy sides (salads, veggies, etc.) with each main meal. This means that you will be doing more food preparation and planning. Obviously, if you enjoy cooking, this will not be an issue at all. If you don't, that's a consideration too.

Which of these plans appeals to you more depends on how often you'll want to eat per day (six versus five), how much you want to prepare your own food, and which diet's foods appeal to you most. I find that those who value convenience most are often more attracted to medifast, while those who like more choices and don't mind food prep often consider nutrisystem.what does

Lindsey Price is the author of the ebook "Getting The Most Out Of Medifast," which includes a complete food list, tips, how tos, recipes and coupons (including two weeks free) and specials. To get a free copy (immediate download / no information required), click here. You can also visit Lindsey's diet review website at http://easiest-diet.com/

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